Recreation Specialist

Assists in designing, implementing, and facilitating various therapeutic recreation activities that foster team building and social skills development as well as meet the individualized needs and interests of adolescent males and females in a residential treatment setting (census 40 to 60), in compliance with COA standards and state, federal, agency and all other applicable rules and regulations, and Wernle policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partners with the treatment team to design, implement and facilitate various age- appropriate therapeutic recreation activities that foster team building, social skills, and daily living skills for residents.
• Provides direction for direct care staff participation, as needed.
• Ensures that residents receive treatment as prescribed.
• Manages inventory of recreation department supplies and equipment.
• Coordinates use of recreation facilities for multiple events.
• Enforces residential rules and regulations concerning dress, conduct and use of supplies and equipment.
• Reinforces the goals and objectives of individual treatment plans for residents by positively reinforcing strengths and addressing areas for continued development.
• Monitors behaviors and responds to irregularities or problems, which may include administering appropriate forms of consequences, including, but not limited to, use of a level system, de-escalation techniques and initiating and/or participating in physical restraints (as defined by Therapeutic Crisis Intervention), when necessary, to protect residents and others from harm.
• Models appropriate communication and behaviors for residents.

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree, Bachelor’s preferred, from an accredited college or university relevant to assigned program(s), such as early childhood education, special education, fine arts, parks and recreation, event management or environmental studies; or High School Diploma/GED and four (4) additional years of experience related to childhood education, special populations, recreation, events, environmental recreation, etc. Two (2) years of experience in social services or recreational programming preferred with two (2) years of experience working with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses a valid driver’s license.